The Senior Point: November 2022

THESENIORPOINT

Greetings! Greetings!

If we have not had the chance to meet yet, my name is Rev. Drew Essen, and I am the new Executive Pastor of Administration here at TWMC. My family and I come to you from Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, where we have served for the last eight years. My wife, Kristen, and I have been married for five years and have three wonderful children, Wesley (4), Rhett (3), and Ella (17 months). We are so thankful for the warm welcome we have received and already see The Woodlands as home! We look forward to many years of fruitful ministry together and feel humbled to be a part of such an incredible church.

I received my call into ministry when I was 18 and have been working in Methodist churches ever since. I recently graduated from Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology with an M.Div. and was commissioned as an elder at Annual Conference in May. Elders in the Methodist Church are called to word, sacrament, order and service — I have always joked that God sprinkled a little bit of extra passion for ordering the church into my call. As the Executive Pastor of Administration, I help to oversee the finances, facilities, foundation, schools, operations and other business functions of the church. Additionally, I oversee all of our human resources to ensure that TWMC is an incredible place to work for our entire staff across our church and schools.

Again, thank you for your warm welcome to TWMC! I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming days and weeks. If there is anything we can do to serve you better, or if you have any questions about the church’s operations, please feel free to reach out.

ALL IS VANITY?

by Rev. Chris McLain Pastor of Caring and Senior Adult Ministry

There are times when “all” means “all” and other times when “all” means “the majority of.” The latter is the case in the opening of Ecclesiastes. Is everything vanity, every activity, every season? Of course not. Just two chapters later we read the “For everything there is a season” passage. Let’s talk about the season we are in for ministry to adults who are aged 55 and above.

It’s a season for

• RE-FLECTING — On ministry needs and vision.

• RE-IMAGINING — Activities are continuing, morphing and hatching.

• RE-QUESTING — By inviting a new demographic to be a part of our already vibrant ministry.

This fall we’ve had game nights, movie nights, Serve It Up opportunities, a trip to the Bible Seminary, Sunday Connect Classes, Legacy Luncheon, fitness classes and outings at Top Golf and The Painted Churches. We can’t wait for you to see what we have planned for 2023.

I think by bringing to the forefront the cautionary understanding of vanity, the author of Ecclesiastes is also saying there are things you can count on. During this season of changes and flexing, we know that God does not change, that His precepts are right and are useful for great instruction. We hear that when we read 12:11-12 and the author proclaims, “The sayings of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings that are given by one shepherd. Of anything beyond these, my child, beware.”

So, this November, when you are listing those things you are thankful for, don’t forget to be thankful for seasons of change. They are beautiful times of bravery and trust in our Savior, in whom there is no vanity!

FALL FUN SAVE THE DATE

TRIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2023

INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL

Friday, November 4

George R. Brown Convention Center Depart Woodforest at 8:00 a.m. Depart The Woodlands Campus at 9:00 a.m.

Join us for a fun day at the International Quilt Festival. Take a class on your own or just browse the exhibition hall. The cost of this event is $35 for the bus fare or $45 for the bus fare and entrance fee. Activity Level 2

Register at twmc.org/senior-adults

The Woodlands Campus

Campus

Join us for some Texas Two-Step and many other well-known line dances. Dances will be broken down for easy learning. Wear smooth soled shoes. Class is taught by Yvonne Savala who has 30 years of fitness and dance experience. The cost of the eight-week session is $10. Register online. Activity level 2

Premier World Discovery presents NASHVILLE, SMOKY MOUNTAINS AND BLUEGRASS

April 26 – May 8, 2023

Highlights include Churchill Downs, The Ark Encounter in Williamstown (KY), Smoky Mountains National Park, Biltmore Estate in Asheville (NC), Dollywood and The Grand Ole Opry. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days. You should be in good health, able to walk a flight of stairs or more and participate in walking tours or nature walks pos sibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets with pe riods of standing. There could be some early and late activi ties, and temperature and altitude changes. This tour includes moderate physical activity. Activity Level 2

Collette Tours presents ALASKA DISCOVERY LAND AND CRUISE September 13 – 24, 2023

Highlights include Denali National Park Tundra Wilderness tour, Scenic train ride to Talkeetna, Alaska Wildlife Conserva tion Center in Anchorage, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Alaska’s capital city of Juneau, Ketchikan the Salmon Capital of the World and City of Totems, Vancouver. This means you’re a lei surely traveler. You like to discover the energy of a new place, but typically take it easy. You can handle at least one flight of stairs, board a coach, and walk for 15-30 minutes at a time with little difficulty. Activity Level 2

FIND THE PERFECT ACTIVITY USING ACTIVITY LEVEL RATINGS

Level 1: Easy

This event is for adults in good health with overall good mobility, who are comfortable walking on flat surfaces, can climb stairs, and are able to sit for long periods of time.

Level 2: Moderate

This event includes standing and walking for short periods and may include slight activity for participation, as well as climbing on and off the bus.

Level 3: Moderate/Active

This event is more active and participatory and includes walking for long periods and climbing on and off the bus. Quite possible this event may include an overnight component to rest and recuperate.

and Older90

Celebration

In September we celebrated 34 members over 90. Dr. Mark Lewis entertained us with a delightful devotional full of fun facts. The Goldenaires performed a wonderful medley of songs

LUNCH BUNCH

In September, our Woodforest friends met for lunch at Mama Juanita’s and our friends in The Woodlands met at Pallotta’s Italian Grill. Good food and fun were had by all!

THE WOODLANDS CAMPUS

PRIME TIMERS

Wednesday, November 2 | 11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall

Join us to hear The Woodlands Men’s Chorus. The group will be performing patriotic songs. Don’t miss this opportunity to listen to this talented group of men. Cost of lunch is $10. First time to Prime Timers? Enjoy lunch on us! For more information about this event contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935

Zoom the same time as the face-to-face classes.

Zoom Meeting ID: 735 678 773 Password: SFIT Activity Level 1

ADULT PICKLEBALL

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Rec Center Gym

WOODLANDS LUNCH BUNCH

Tuesday, November 8 | 11:00 a.m. | La Cocina de Roberto

A hidden gem, La Cocina de Roberto began as a cozy little taqueria. The restaurant is known for the best tacos in the area. La Cocina de Roberto is located at 3126 Sawdust Road, Spring. To make a reservation call Dee Megee at 281.793.6622 by Monday, November 7.

MEN’S BOOK STUDY

Wednesday, November 9* | 10:00 a.m. | Room C217-A

This group is studying Philip Yancey’s What’s So Amazing

About Grace. You are welcome to join at any time. For more information about this group, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232

*Note we are not meeting on the 4th Wednesday of this month.

ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE

THE GATHERING PLACE

Monday, November 7 | 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

The Gathering Place ministry is an ecumenical ministry for adults who have been diagnosed with early to moderate dementia. Join us for our Aromas from the Kitchen gathering. For more information about this group and to register, contact Pam Baker at 832.381.4514

THE WOODLANDS CAMERA CLUB

Monday, November 7 | 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

The guest presenter will be Ted Washington, retired photographer for The Woodlands Corporation. Ted’s program will be “The Journey from Film to Digital: Tales of a Former Corporate Photographer.” For more information about The Woodlands Camera Club, visit thewoodlandscameraclub.org

HYBRID SENIOR ADULT FITNESS

Senior Adult Intermediate Fitness

Mondays | 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

Senior Adult Basic Fitness

Wednesdays and Fridays | 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Continue your health and wellness journey

hybrid senior adult fitness classes.

meet via

SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, November 11 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, games and refreshments. The cost is $1 per person. Bring a dish to share. For more information, contact Karen Freeman at 858.204.0012

PEGGY’S BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, November 15 | Noon | Allen Parlor

Join us this month to review The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Next month we will have our annual Christmas party. For more information about Peggy’s Book Club, contact Libby Heintz at 936.271.7660 or Kathy Wisenbaker at wisenbaker@sbcglobal.net

SHEPHERD CARE FALL APPRECIATION LUNCH

Thursday, November 17 | 11:00 a.m. | Jones Library Shepherds join us for our annual appreciation luncheon. Please RSVP to Teri Rossi at trossi@twmc.org

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING

Friday, November 18* | 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor Crochet or knit for those in need. Join us for fellowship each month. For more information on this ministry, please contact Connie Norton at concetta44@comcast.net or 281.292.3875 *Note change in meeting date due to Thanksgiving.

GOLDENAIRES CHOIR

Rehearsals every Wednesday | 2:30 p.m. | Choir Room

The Goldenaires, our senior adult choir, is the perfect way for you to spread joy through singing. No audition required. For more information, contact Ed Wandling at 281.788.9880

CLASS NEWS

FRIENDSHIP CLASS MANNA BAG PROJECT

Thursday, November 17 | 2:00 p.m. | Allen Parlor

Friendship class comes together to put snack bags together for the 1960 Hope Center.

*Green text represents events at The Woodlands Campus and blue text represents events at the Woodforest Campus.

OCTOBER

All Saints Sunday

8:00 a.m. | Grace Garden

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

The Gathering Place 10:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

The Woodlands Camera Club 7:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

WF Senior Adult Line Dancing

11:00 a.m. | WF Gym

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Prime Timers

11:15 a.m. | Wesley Hall

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Senior Adult Line Dancing

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

International Quilt Festival

8:00 a.m. | Depart WF

9:00 a.m. | Depart TWMC

WF Craft Circle Boutique

10:00 a.m. | WF Worship

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Craft Circle Boutique

10:00 a.m. | WF Worship

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

WF Senior Adult Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Woodlands Lunch Bunch 11:00 a.m. La Cocina de Roberto Surviving the Holidays 2:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Men’s Book Study Group 10:00 a.m. | C217-A

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Senior Adult Line Dancing

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

WF Lunch Bunch

11:00 a.m. | Eden Cafe

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class

Craft Circle Boutique

9:00 a.m. | Wesley Hall

Surviving the Holidays

2:00 p.m. | WF Classroom

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

WF Senior Adult Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym Peggy’s Book Club Noon | Allen Parlor

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

Senior Adult Line Dancing

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Shepherd Care Fall

Appreciation Lunch

11:00 a.m. | Jones Library

WF Book Club

11:30 a.m. | WF Campus

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Senior Adult Game Night

6:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting 10:00 a.m. | Allen Parlor

WF Senior Adult Game Night 6:00 p.m. | WF Worship

Craft Circle Boutique

9:00 a.m. | Wesley Hall

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

WF Caregivers Support 10:00 a.m. | Classroom

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

WF Senior Adult Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. | WF Gym

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

TWMC Closed

Happy Thanksgiving!

TWMC Closed

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Intermediate Class 9:00 a.m. | Hayes Hall

WF Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class

8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

WF Senior Adult Line Dancing

11:00 a.m. | WF Gym

Hybrid Senior Adult Fitness Basic Class

9:00 a.m. | Aldersgate Hall

DECEMBER

WOODFOREST CAMPUS

LUNCH BUNCH

Thursday, November 10 | 11:00 a.m. | Eden Cafe

Join us for lunch at Eden Cafe. The menu offers something for everyone. The restaurant location is 33418 Egypt Lane, Magnolia, 77354. To make a reservation contact Roberta Duncan at 713.775.3030 no later than Monday, November 7.

WOODFOREST BOOK CLUB

Thursday, November 17 | 11:30 a.m. | WF Campus

Join us to review The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan. In December we will have our group Christmas party. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact Diane Oakley at 936.701.8067

SENIOR ADULT GAME NIGHT

Friday, November 18* | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | WF Worship

Join us for game night! Bring a snack or a dessert to share. The cost for this event is $1 per person. All adults are welcome! No registration required. For more information, contact Teri Rossi at 281.297.5935 *Note date change due to Thanksgiving.

WOODFOREST SENIOR ADULT FITNESS

Woodforest Senior Adult Basic Fitness

Tuesdays and Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

For more information, please refer to the same listing under The Woodlands Campus. Please note the Woodforest class is a face-to-face class only.

Adult Pickleball

Mondays and Fridays | 8:30 a.m. | WF Gym

CONSECRATED

HOLY COMMUNION ELEMENTS

Caring Ministry is offering consecrated Holy Communion elements for those of you worshipping at home. Stop by the main administration office to pick up elements.

CARING MINISTRY UPCOMING EVENTS

ALL SAINTS REMEMBRANCE

Sunday, November 6 | 8:00 a.m. | Grace Garden

Join us in Grace Garden to remember those who have gone before us.

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS: GRIEF SHARE SEMINAR

Tuesday, November 8 | 2:00 p.m. | Aldersgate Hall

Sunday, November 13 | 2:00 p.m. | WF Classroom

Our Surviving the Holidays seminar is for people who are grieving a loved one’s death. For more information contact Susan Goldsmith at 281.297.5353

The Woodlands Methodist Church

2200 Lake Woodlands Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

be shared on the Senior

RESOURCE CORNER SUPPORT

COMPUTER SUPPORT MINISTRY

If you need computer support, contact Jerry Barney at 281.826.3232

NEED A RIDE?

If you need a ride to a medical appointment, contact Ken or Linda Keith at 281.796.7447. Please call at least 48 hours in advance.

SHEPHERD CARE

Shepherd Care is a ministry of friendship for our members who are in local nursing homes or private residences. Shepherds and new Lambs are always welcome. If you know of someone in need of companionship or if you would like to volunteer to be a Shepherd, please contact Carolyn Crawford at 281.682.9142

PRAYER AND CARE MINISTRY

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Congregational Care is a priority for our pastors. If you or someone you know is hospitalized, in rehabilitation or in hospice care — local or in the Texas Medical Center — we would love to send a pastor or a Caring Ministry volunteer to visit and pray with you and your family. Contact Caring Ministry at

The Woodlands Methodist Church | 281.297.5900

The Church at Woodforest | 281.822.8182

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